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    7 Surprising Facts About Your Post-baby Body

    By | Parenting – Thu, Sep 13, 2012 6:07 PM EDT

    Photo by: Jessica Wimer
    After giving birth it's normal to look... pregnant
    No matter what body type you have, right after the birth there's still a sizable bump. During pregnancy flesh and organs and... more 
    Photo by: Jessica Wimer
    After giving birth it's normal to look... pregnant
    No matter what body type you have, right after the birth there's still a sizable bump. During pregnancy flesh and organs and skin have all adjusted or moved to accommodate the baby. The uterus has to "involute" or shrink back to a very, small non-pregnant size, organs need to find there place in a newly uninhabited torso and stomach muscles need time to drift back together. This can take about 4-8 weeks or more, depending. "Working out" vigorously won't speed this part of the process up, nor is it advisable for most women this early on.
    Related: 10 postpartum exercise tips for new moms less 
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    Thu, Sep 13, 2012 6:08 PM EDT
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    There is a ton of pressure out there for women to get back to their pre-baby bodies almost immediately after giving birth. What are we supposed to think when our favorite movies, TV shows, and magazines all feature celebrities rocking ridiculously fit postpartum bodies? Luckily, in a victory for those of us who find it a little more difficult to drop the baby weight, The New York Times recently published this piece from former Us Weekly editor Janice Min, in which she (somewhat ironically) criticizes the celebrity culture that has led new moms to believe they should be able to bounce right back into their skinny jeans after having a baby. It's a powerful and well-written article, but it does leave many women wondering: What can we expect from our bodies after giving birth? So here, from a mom who knows, are 7 surprising facts about your post-baby body. - By Ceridwen Morris



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